CISSI ÅHLÉN
DECORATING A COLOURFUL LIVING ROOM
Do you want to add colour to your living room?
Then you should check out Cissi Åhlén in Stockholm, who, with a keen sense, has created a home filled with colour, personality, and warmth. Here she shares her best tips on how to decorate a colourful living room – from choosing a sofa to how to think about finding the right shades to create atmosphere and harmony.
CISSI CREATES ATMOSPHERE WITH COLOUR
Cissi Åhlén lives with her family in a house in Stockholm, which features a large, lovely garden that she enjoys taking care of. She is originally from Roslagen, but has lived in the capital for 25 years, where she combines her work in music administration with a strong engagement in her social media.
At the Åhlén family, the choice of colours is anything but cautious. The home is intended to evoke joy, curiosity, and inspiration – both for themselves and for guests who come to visit. The goal is to create a home where everyone feels welcome and comfortable, just like at home.
THAT'S WHY A COLOURFUL SOFA IS A GOOD IDEA
Do you want to create a focal point in the living room? Then a colourful sofa is a perfect choice. Cissi explains that their previous sofa was grey and the last neutral detail in their otherwise colourful home. To brighten it up, they used cushions and throws in strong colours – but now they have replaced the grey sofa with FALKNER in the colour Brenda red.
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It feels very embracing with its generous seat depth but not bulky, something I really appreciate.
”Cissi fell for the sofa's rounded shapes and stylish expression – and today it serves as both a gathering point and a colourful statement in the living room.
CISSI'S BEST TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH COLOUR
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Dare to try! Start by painting details or test areas with sample pots in different shades.
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Create colour themes. Cissi often works with three core colours per room and adds different shades and finishes.
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Use fabric to test colour combinations. For example, place a piece of fabric over a piece of furniture to see how it works with other colours.
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Accent colours make the whole lively. Use cushions, throws, or art to complement the whole.
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Avoid small patterns if you use a lot of colour – it can easily give a cluttered impression. Instead, focus on clear shapes and variation in details.
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Think soft in the bedroom. Here, Cissi prefers to choose softer tones that help the body to unwind.
FOR A COLOURFUL LIVING ROOM
Start by painting the walls in a colour you like – preferably a warm or vibrant shade. Then choose a sofa that contrasts and creates a contrast, to give the room a lift. Add colourful interior details like cushions, throws, or paintings, and don't forget that green plants also make a big difference to the overall feel.
When choosing a colourful piece of furniture, Cissi advises thinking long-term. Furniture often stays in the home for many years, so choose a colour you think you'll like even if the rest of the room's colour scheme changes over time.
Don't forget the lighting! It affects the mood more than you think – and is something many people overlook. Cissi uses lamps both to divide the room into different zones and to create a cosy feeling. Additionally, she sees lighting as an important interior detail, as many lamps are both practical and beautiful at the same time.
See more colourful inspiration from Cissi Åhlén's home by following her on Instagram @mylifeinmulticolor.
